Transcend works to enhance protective factors that reduce the risk of poor mental health outcomes, homelessness, suicidality and marginalisation. 

Families of trans, gender diverse and non-binary people experience stressors such as fear, stigma, prejudice, rejection, feeling judged, feeling anxious in public, discrimination, etc. linked to their trans, gender diverse or non-binary child. This can and often leads to, or compounds existing, physical and mental health difficulties, including anxiety, poor sleep and diet, grief, and substance use. Families and carers also play a key role in mental health, wellbeing and recovery and require capacity building and resilience to improve the quality of support from families. 

Transcend Australia provides peer navigation and support involving peers with lived experience that provide support and connection to social networks, improve health literacy, and provide health, mental health and social services system navigation and referral.  

Our services are free of charge for families of trans, gender diverse and non-binary young people.  

Peer Support Options include:  

• Individual direct family support via telehealth 
• Facilitated online group-based family support 
• In person group-based family support 
• Secure online peer knowledge hub 
• Social events and activities that foster social connection 

To access these services, families need to book an initial, confidential appointment with a member of our team. 

Parental support and acceptance increase the opportunities for a young person to access the gender affirming care they need. Gender affirmation and timely access to care are integral to the health and well-being of trans and gender diverse individuals. 

The consequences for young trans, gender diverse or non-binary people of not investing early and effectively are reflected in unacceptably and disproportionately high rates of youth suicide, self-harm, homelessness, substance abuse, unemployment and loneliness. Research has found that accessible, good-quality information and peer support contribute to parental acceptance.